Andy Sorensen (ajstudio)  > Events > 2005 Ship Creek King Slam'n Salm'n Derby
Every year in June, a King Salmon fishing derby is held in the heart of Anchorage, Alaska at Ship Creek. Some very big fish return to this stream, according to a state biologist, some as big as 70 lbs. The locals and tourists flock to the muddy banks for a chance at catching a prize winning fish. Since I personally fish this stream almost every day, I thought it would be fun to take my camera along, and post the photos for all to enjoy. This year, proceeds from the derby benefit the Downtown Soup Kitchen. There are 8 pages here that includes 116 photos that cover the time span from June 4th to June 12th, so don't miss any. Please let me know which one is your favorite, and don't be afraid to leave a comment. Enjoy!
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Andy Sorensen (ajstudio) > 2005 Ship Creek King Slam'n Salm'n Derby photo
Andy Sorensen (ajstudio) > Jim Lavrakas, reigning King Derby Champ of 2004, takes another cast as he works the water looking for the fish that will make him this year's winner.
Andy Sorensen (ajstudio) > For a king to be legally caught, it must be hooked in the mouth.  If the fish is hooked anywhere else, it must be released.  Technically, the salmon may not even be removed from the water if it is going to be released.  Here,  two guys check the hook set on a king that was just landed in the net.  They released this fish.
Andy Sorensen (ajstudio) > An American Dipper sits on a rock as it serenades the area with it's song.  These little birds are year round residents at Ship Creek. They actually forage for food underwater. After submerging themselves, the bird will walk on the bottom of the stream looking for their food.  Gray and indescript, they are easy to miss, but their song is very pretty and reminds me a little of a mockingbird.  I'm sure this little bird is a bit puzzled over all the action that is going on in and around the water. I believe a breeding pair have a nest on the structure of the dam somewhere.
Andy Sorensen (ajstudio) > These gentlemen are trying to coaxe a stubborn king into the net.  One of the best ways to land a king when fishing from a crowded shoreline is by the use of a landing net.
Andy Sorensen (ajstudio) > Many more fish were foul hooked this morning than were hooked fairly.  This one was hooked in the anal fin.  The fisherman has a pair of pliers in hand, ready to release this fish.
Andy Sorensen (ajstudio) > Working a heavy fish out of the deep water.  Kings that are foul hooked are usually more difficult to land, especially when any current is involved.
Andy Sorensen (ajstudio) > Releasing another one.  This one appears to be caught in the gill plate or somewhere else in or near the head.
Andy Sorensen (ajstudio) > Marcel is a regular on Ship Creek.  This guy seems to be able to locate fish AND catch them when most have given up.
2005 Ship Creek King Slam'n Salm'n Derby photo
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